Biosocialities, Genetics and the Social Sciences: Making Biologies and Identities by Sahra Gibbon – A Routledge Social S

Introduction

In an era where genomic science is reshaping the boundaries of life, health, and identity, Biosocialities, Genetics and the Social Sciences: Making Biologies and Identities by Sahra Gibbon offers a groundbreaking exploration of how genetic knowledge transforms social relations and personal identities. This hardcover volume from Routledge is an essential read for Indian students, researchers, and professionals navigating the intersections of biology, society, and ethics. Whether you are a social scientist, a geneticist, or a curious reader, this book provides a critical lens to understand the profound shifts occurring in biomedicine and everyday life.

Book Overview

Building on Paul Rabinow’s influential concept of biosociality, this edited collection examines how innovations in genomics create new forms of social grouping, identity, and political engagement. Through rich empirical studies, the book traces how individuals and communities—from patients with genetic conditions to advocacy organizations—redefine their relationships with biology, kinship, and citizenship. It moves beyond simplistic narratives of genetic determinism to reveal the complex, often contested, ways in which biological knowledge is made and remade in clinics, laboratories, and homes across the globe.

Key Highlights

• Foregrounds the concept of biosociality as a tool for understanding contemporary biopolitics and identity formation.
• Features original research on genomic technologies including stem cell therapy, breast cancer genetics, autism, Parkinson’s disease, and IVF treatment.
• Examines the role of state institutions, disease advocacy groups, and commercial interests in shaping genomic research and its social impact.
• Includes an afterword by Paul Rabinow, the anthropologist who coined the term biosociality, providing theoretical closure and forward-looking insights.
• Offers a multi-sited, cross-cultural perspective that speaks to Indian contexts of genetic counselling, reproductive technologies, and community health movements.

Inside the Book

The book is structured around four thematic pillars: novel modes of identity and identification (such as genetic citizenship); the institutional landscapes of genomics (from patient organisations to state regulators); the production of biological knowledge and novel life-forms; and the commercialisation of biology. Each chapter presents case studies that bring these themes to life. Readers will encounter discussions on how families affected by hereditary conditions navigate genetic testing, how stem cell research creates new expectations and ethical dilemmas, and how biobanks and genomic databases reconfigure notions of privacy and community belonging.

Key Topics

• Genetic citizenship and biological belonging
• Biosociality in the age of personalised medicine
• Ethnographies of genomic research and clinical practice
• Reproductive technologies and kinship reconfigurations
• Commercialisation of genetic data and biovalue
• Patient activism and disease advocacy in genomics
• Public understanding and expectations of genomic science

Reader Benefits

This book empowers readers to critically engage with the social dimensions of genetics, moving beyond technical descriptions to ask who benefits from genomic advances, how identities are reshaped, and what ethical responsibilities arise. Indian readers will find the discussions particularly relevant as the country expands its genomic research infrastructure and debates around data sovereignty, genetic discrimination, and equitable access to therapies intensify. The book equips students with conceptual tools to analyse media reports, policy documents, and clinical encounters with nuance.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the theoretical framework of biosociality and its applications in social science research.
• Analyse how genomic technologies influence individual and collective identities, from patient communities to ethnic groups.
• Critically evaluate the role of institutions—government, NGOs, corporations—in shaping genomic science and its societal effects.
• Identify ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetic testing, biobanking, and gene editing.
• Develop comparative perspectives on genomic governance, with insights applicable to Indian and global contexts.

Who Should Read

This book is indispensable for postgraduate students and scholars in anthropology, sociology, science and technology studies (STS), public health, bioethics, and gender studies. It is equally valuable for medical professionals, genetic counsellors, policy makers, and activists working in health and biotechnology sectors. Undergraduate students with an interest in the social life of science will find the case studies accessible and thought-provoking.

About the Author

Sahra Gibbon is a leading medical anthropologist whose research focuses on the social and ethical dimensions of genomics, particularly in the contexts of cancer, reproductive health, and global health inequalities. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Brazil, India, and the UK, and her work bridges anthropology, public health, and feminist science studies. Gibbon’s scholarship is known for its ethnographic depth and commitment to understanding how biomedical knowledge travels across cultures.

About the Publisher

Routledge, a member of the Taylor & Francis Group, is one of the world’s foremost academic publishers in the social sciences and humanities. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, Routledge is renowned for publishing cutting-edge research that shapes scholarly discourse and informs policy. This book is part of their prestigious series on genetics and society, ensuring rigorous peer review and global reach.

Conclusion

Biosocialities, Genetics and the Social Sciences: Making Biologies and Identities is more than a collection of essays—it is a vital roadmap for understanding how biology and society co-produce each other in the 21st century. For Indian readers, it offers a rare opportunity to see how global genomic trends intersect with local realities, from caste and kinship to healthcare access. By engaging with this book, you will not only grasp the complexities of biosociality but also become a more informed participant in the conversations that will define the future of medicine, identity, and social justice. Order your hardcover copy from Bookshops.in today and join the critical dialogue on the making of biologies and identities.